Jo-ann Robertson Named Ketchum London CEO As Denise Kaufmann Returns To US

LONDON — Ketchum has promoted Jo-ann Robertson to CEO of its London office. Robertson will succeed Denise Kaufmann, who is returning to the US to become director of client development, in January 2018.

Kaufmann has led the London office since 2013, promoting Robertson to deputy CEO in 2015. Under their leadership, the office has implemented a single P&L model that has helped underpin growth, including major assignments from Samsung and Discovery.

"Together, Denise and Jo-ann have made a powerhouse team for one of our largest and most successful offices," said Barri Rafferty, partner and president at Ketchum. "I am confident that the office will continue to thrive under Jo-ann’s leadership as Denise returns to her US roots to focus on the client experience in our largest and most critical region."

Kaufmann will be based in Chicago, where she started her Ketchum career 20 years ago. In her new role, she will report to partner and chief client officer Michael O’Brien.

Robertson, meawnhile, will report to partner Mark Hume, COO and CFO for Europe. She joined Ketchum in 2011 as MD of corporate and public affairs, after spending eight years at Weber Shandwick.